The best budget cameras of 2023
Contents:
• Are you drawn to touch the magical world of photography, but do not want to spend a hundred thousand rubles on a super-expensive and fancy device? Especially for you, I have compiled the top 10 cameras, which are the best cheap ones!
The best budget DSLRs
4. Nikon D5300
- Matrix: 24.78 MP, APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
- Crop factor: 1,5
- Mount: Nikon F
- Video: 1920x1080
- Screen: 3″, swivel, viewfinder
• The model came out back in 2013, but it was made to last – the case is durable, reliable, the build quality and materials are on top. This is one of the cheapest cameras, especially if you look at the used camera market – you can buy it for a ridiculous price.
• However, despite the low price, the image quality of this model is very good. A picture taken with the Nikon D5300 is no worse than that taken with the latest generation cameras. You just have to get used to the very sparingly located controls on the case. And if you're a fan of manual settings, you'll have to dig through the jungle of menus. Well, the screen is not touch, although it is rotary – the technology of that time.
Pros and cons stabilization nice picture with a margin of DD fast shutter comfortable grip battery life no manual white balance slow Wi-Fi no moisture protection3. Nikon D5600
- Matrix: 24.78 MP, APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
- Crop factor: 1,5
- Mount: Nikon F
- Video: 1920x1080
- Screen: 3.2″, swivel, viewfinder, touch
• Of course, the D5600 series will cost more than the D3000 – the creators have equipped it with a large set of features to successfully compete with similar models from Canon. This includes:
- an enlarged LCD screen that not only reclines and rotates, but also responds to touch,
- improved autofocus,
- Wi-Fi
- and a number of additional settings for image quality.
• Of course, you will have to pay more for all this wealth – but as you buy more lenses, the camera will grow with you and will be a faithful companion for many years – ideal if you see your future in professional photography.
Pros and consExcellent combination of price/functionalityWi-Fi, BluetoothSwivel touch screenConvenient exposure wheel for thumb Large batteryNo shooting in 4K2. Canon EOS 2000D
- Matrix: 24.7 MP, APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm)
- Crop factor: 1,6
- Mount: Canon EF/EF-S
- Video: 1920×1080
- Screen: 3″, viewfinder operation, fixed
• It is unlikely that this camera will excite the heart of a professional, but from the point of view of ordinary photography enthusiasts with flat wallets, the Canon EOS 2000D offers the best combination of price and functionality. Yes, the finish of the camera shines with inexpensive plastic, but the controls are thoughtfully and logically located – even those who have picked up a camera for the first time will easily comprehend their meaning.
• Judging by the reviews, the nine-point autofocus is thoughtful and slow-paced, and burst shooting lags behind its mirrorless counterparts. On the other hand, the battery life significantly exceeds mirrorless cameras of the same price level, and the matrix works perfectly: the photos are obtained with a good level of detail, a minimum of noise and a decent dynamic range.
Pros and cons NFC, Wi-Fi a good lens in the kit the bayonet mount works with an EF lens some copies lack the central contact of the hot shoe1. Nikon D3500
- Matrix: 24,78 MP
- Crop factor: 1,5
- Mount: Nikon F
- Video: 1920x1080
- Screen: 3″, viewfinder operation, fixed
• The successor to the very popular D3400 continues to proudly carry the banner of DSLRs into the mirrorless era. It is still popular in the market due to its good price (the reason is optical viewfinders, which are cheaper than digital ones).
• Compared to the previous model, the D3500 has an improved APS-C sensor (albeit still 24 megapixels), and also boasts an increased battery life – 1550 frames without recharging. The case has become lighter and more comfortable in the palm of your hand, it is pleasant to hold it even with a telephoto lens. Judging by the reviews, this model makes excellent photos, and the control system is such that even beginners can handle it without any problems.
Pros and cons one of the best options for beginners universal lens best value for money free online photography course from nikon slow auto focus obsolete bayonet mountGood inexpensive mirrorless cameras
3.Canon EOS M50 MarkII
- Matrix: 25.8 MP, APS-C (22.3 x9 mm)
- Crop factor: 1,6
- Mount: Canon EF-M
- Video: 3840x2160
- Screen: 3″, swivel, viewfinder, touch
• The top cheap cameras of 2023 would be incomplete without a device from Canon! Especially this model: the original EOS M50 was one of the most popular and inexpensive devices. Although the second generation, the Mark II, did not make any major changes to its design, the camera is still a great choice for those who need a small and powerful camera, and at the same time easy to use. The interface is simple, perfect for beginners, and superb dual-pixel autofocus helps you capture moving subjects accurately.
• True, the camera has one major drawback – compared to other series, Canon does not want to produce lenses specifically for the M series. However, the kit includes its own EF-M 15-45 mm – it is perfect for everyday shooting, as well as for If you wish, you can “adopt” lenses from other companies using an adapter.
Pros and cons small size and weight built-in flash excellent auto focus small selection of lenses crop and lack of auto focus when shooting 4K video2. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
- Matrix: 21,8 MP
- Crop factor: 4/3
- Bayonet: Micro 4/3
- Video: 3840x2160
- Screen: 3″, swivel, viewfinder, touch
• In the ranking of the best cheap cameras OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is perhaps the most expensive. But look at this functionality! The camera's small, compact, and lightweight body packs a plethora of opportunities for photographers.
• Ergonomic button layout, flip-out touch screen, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi – as if the company's marketers deliberately decided to seduce the "smartphone generation". And at the same time, excellent image quality and dynamic range, a five-axis built-in image stabilization system (borrowed from the flagship E-M1 series), which will allow you to take excellent sharp photos even when shooting handheld or in low light.
• The camera can also shoot video in 4K resolution, although the lack of a microphone input will not suit vloggers. And the possibilities are expanded by an even more fantastic number of a wide variety of lenses for any task with a Micro 4/3 mount.
Pros and consLight weightCompact and ergonomic bodyBuilt-in stabilization systemPrice1.Fujifilm X-T200
- Matrix: 24,2 MP, CMOS
- Crop factor: 1,5
- Mount: Fujifilm X Mount
- Video: 3840x2160
- Screen: 3,5 inches, tilted
• The camera is very similar to the Fujifulm X-T30 and, in fact, is a simplified version of it, although it claims to be the "heir to the X-T100". In fact, it is better than its predecessor in almost every way: it has more processing power, significantly improved autofocus, and the rear touch screen has become larger, clearer and acquired a diagonal of 3,5.
• At the same time, designers and engineers managed to preserve the very retro spirit that fans of the company appreciate so much. The image quality and the richness of color filters (a highlight of the Fuji manufacturer) are at their best, which amateur photographers will appreciate, and novice photographers will appreciate the simple and intuitive setting.
Pros and consConvenient size and ergonomics of the bodyGood autofocusExcellent displayGreat color filters "Pressed and removed" will not workBare setTop 3 Compact Budget Cameras
3. Olympus Tough TG-6
- Matrix: 12.7 MP, 1/2.33″
- Crop factor: 5,7
- Video: 3840x2160
- Screen: 3″, viewfinder operation, fixed
• Photography is an expensive hobby, and nothing can turn a person away from photography more than the untimely death of a camera. Wouldn't it be better to invest in a reliable, durable model, which can only be damaged, it seems, only by the butt of an elephant?
• The Olympus Tough TG-6 is one of the best shock and weather resistant cameras you can buy. It is resistant to frost, shock, moisture, water, depth. The controls are intuitive, the buttons are large (comfortable to press with gloves), and the excellent XNUMX-inch display ensures excellent visibility even in bright sunlight.
• Autofocus is fast, the zoom is equivalent to 25-100mm, and the image quality is quite decent (although experts found that the Olympus Tough TG-6 leans unnecessarily towards overexposure). Those who want to save money can pay attention to the previous model, Olympus Tough TG-5. It is about the same, it costs less, but the screen is less sharp.
Pros and consCompactnessRugged bodyMultiple modesGood zoom and apertureSmart processorNo stabilization when shooting videoBattery life2. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100M5A
- Matrix: 20.1 MP1″
- Crop factor: 2,7
- Video: 3840x2160
- Screen: 3″, swivel, viewfinder
• At the moment, Sony's Cyber-shot series has already spanned seven generations, but the fifth generation is considered one of the best in terms of price / quality ratio. An excellent purchase for those who are ready to put aside their smartphone and plunge headlong into photography.
• The viewfinder of the device is electronic and built-in and solid matrix, which provides excellent image quality. There is also a sensitive rotary screen, and the possibility of continuous shooting at a speed of 10 frames per second. Video bloggers will appreciate 4K video and slow-mo.
• The device has got an improved hybrid autofocus with high speed and accuracy. True, the zoom is three times, and not eight times, like the sixth model, but that one costs 25% more.
Pros and consfast autofocusimmediate ready to shoottwo-level stabilizationlightweight bodyuniversal lens a little expensive for a compact bodyweight not suitable for harsh environments1. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100/TZ100
- Matrix: 21 MP1″
- Crop factor: 2,7
- Video: 3840x2160
- Screen: 3″, viewfinder operation, touch, fixed
• The model has gone for the fifth year (it was released in the region), but it still holds the high title of the best budget camera for tourists. The metal case is durable, reliable and at the same time comfortably fits in your pocket.
• The main controls are grouped at the back – they are easy to operate with one hand. Functional buttons give scope in the settings, and a responsive touch screen pleasantly surprises buyers. The TZ100 sensor delivers bright, crisp images with decent detail even in low light.
• The dynamic range is also good, and the noise level is low. The optical zoom is tenfold (quite enough for tourists), and video bloggers will like shooting 4K video.
Pros and conssmall rugged body10x zoom good stabilizationhigh-quality video even at dusk and at nightextensive customization optionsuncomfortable gripnoise at slow shutter speedspoor menu RussificationHow to choose an inexpensive camera, which one is better to buy
Decide on the direction of photography
• What do you want from photos? Photograph family and friends? Shoot the streets of a big city? Wildlife? Sport competitions? I recommend choosing one thing – and consistently grow and develop in this direction.
Compact, DSLR or mirrorless?
- Compact is good for travel – the camera is small, light, often with increased moisture protection. But there are no interchangeable lenses, which limits its possibilities.
- Decent mirrorless will cost a lot. Their body is small, stuffed with the latest achievements of photographic science and technology. As a rule, the period of operation without recharging is less than that of DSLRs.
- DSLRs are usually heavier (by the way, for novice photographers, this is rather an advantage – hands do not shake so much during shooting, photos come out not blurry), but they last longer. And they are cheaper than mirrorless cameras. Usually in this category they are looking for the answer to the question of which camera is better to buy – inexpensive, good and with the possibility of professional growth due to interchangeable lenses.
The power of light
• To fully reveal all the capabilities of the device, you need a decent aperture ratio – this indicator is responsible for the passage of light into the matrix. A balance is needed here: too little – and good photos will be obtained only in the light; too much – the device will be able to shoot in the dark, but there will be a lot of noise in the light.
In the field
• Finding the right camera/lens ratio isn't easy, especially without hands-on experience. To find your way, I recommend going to a rental shop or visiting photographer friends and trying out different lenses in the field. Pay attention to the focal lengths: 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 135mm.
